It is easy to be wrapped up in all the hate that has been dominating the headlines. You may ask where God has been in the midst of all these uprisings. His timing is perfect, even if we can not understand His plan. I have been influenced by the words of the Lord from the very beginning of life. His words have given me a foundation for the values and beliefs I have today. This is why I choose to concentrate on what is to come instead of what the current headlines are. Here are just some of my favorite verses that can help you remain faithful during this chaotic time.
Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
No matter what fears and anxieties you may face, Christ Jesus will protect your heart and mind. He will conquer your fear and heal your anxiety. He will grant you peace when everything around you seems to be in chaos. Trust in Him and His plan.
Psalm 37:37 "Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace."
I have a true appreciation for this verse. Consider yourself at blame when making a mistake. Do not make excuses when there are none. I am struggling at the moment to keep this verse in my daily life and to practice it. We should accept the faults me made and never deny that we are the ones that committed them. Peace will be granted to those who seek forgiveness from the Lord, from others and from his or herself. Peace of mind comes from within. Others may forgive you but you must forgive yourself in order to feel peace.
1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Faith is having trust in someone or something. Hope is the optimistic attitude and feeling one receives when wanting something to happen. Love is the feeling of deep affection. Love includes faith and hope and many more. It requires trust, honesty and desire. Love triumphs all else because it is so powerful in emotion and action.
Ephesians 4:2 "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
I have not seen gentleness and patience being shared like I used to. I once was in awe of the good of the world. Now I see police being discredited for serving in the line of duty and people questioning whether their lives matter. What has happened to lifting each other up with love? We must have patience that the world will change. We should always be humble and speak and act gently. Love is what will make the world revolve, not power or dominance.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with he truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. "
This verse perfectly sums of the meaning of love and what it entails. Love should be happiness for others accomplishments and not envious. Love is never getting even. Love is forgiveness. And most importantly, love always remains.
Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
God is constant. He carries us in the darkest of times. Never doubt that you are alone or that you are not strong enough. God will provide the strength for you to carry on.
God will never abandon you or forget about your needs. So don't loose faith in Him. Keep the good that is inside of you and be patient that it will influence others. Love like He has loved you.
